The 120-kilometre route that leads to billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote’s refinery in Lagos is dedicated in honour of the late Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, for his outstanding contributions to the project.
The statement was made on Monday at a special celebration dubbed “Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy” that was held in the late banker’s honour at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.
Dangote honoured the departed by showcasing Wigwe’s commitment and knowledge.
“To immortalise my beloved friend, my brother, and mentee, I’ve actually decided to name our major refinery and petrochemical road-out of the 120km road, the biggest road will now be named Herbert Wigwe,” Dangote said.
The businessman described him as a dependable mentee who was willing to go the extra mile to support him, his business, and his family.
“I am proud to name it after him, my devoted friend, mentee, and supporter. I will forever cherish the warmth of his friendship”, Dangote said.
On February 9, Wigwe, his wife, Doreen; son Chizi; and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, died in a helicopter crash that occurred near a border town between California and Nevada in the United States.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were the Minister of Finance, Wale Edu; President of African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu; the Managing Director of Access Bank in Ghana, Dolapo Ogundimo, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola; the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor; Olayemi Cardoso.
The President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Ken Opara, expressed deep condolences on the passing of the late Wigwe.
Opara shared his heartfelt reflections on the life and contributions of the departed industry stalwart.
He started, “Very difficult to talk about but also very important. It’s not about how long, it’s about the quality and impact. I have known him for over 36 years.
His words captured the essence of a relationship that spanned more than three decades, emphasizing the profound impact Wigwe had on those around him.
Opara continued, “He was very courageous and a top-notch banker. Worked tirelessly. He contributed immensely to the development of banking in Nigeria.”
The Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, said Wigwe packed into 57 years what most exceptional people will not pack into in two lifetimes.
“Herbert was my colleague, friend, brother, and competitor, only Herbert could have been all those things at once,” Agbaje said.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lauded his achievement in the banking sector.
The governor also recalled how Wigwe was instrumental with a few others to mitigate some of the risks that came with Covid 19.
